Defence Honours and Awards Australian Defence Force service in Somalia

Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Report – Inquiry into recognition of Australian Defence Force service in Somalia between 1992 and 1995 The Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal inquiry into recognition of Australian Defence Force service in Somalia between 1992 and 1995.

The Report recommended: (a) that the original Chief of the General Staff Commendation [awarded to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment] not be upgraded to that of a Meritorious Unit Commendation; (b) that a campaign medal for service in Somalia 1992-95 not be struck; (c) the upgrade of the Australian Service Medal with Clasp ‘SOMALIA’ that was awarded to HMAS Tobruk ship’s company to the award of the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ‘SOMALIA’; (d) that HMAS Jervis Bay ship’s company be awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ‘SOMALIA’; (e) that members of HMAS Tobruk or HMAS Jervis Bay deployed to Somalia between 1992 and 1993 not be considered for the award of the United Nations (UN) Medal because they were not assigned to the UN nor did they meet the 90 day eligibility criteria; (f) that the Australian Government not approach the UN to alter the eligibility criteria for the UN Medal; (g) that a Meritorious Unit Citation not be considered for the Australian Service Contingent of UNOSOM II; (h) no changes be made to the current policy of one award per operational service; (i) that no further consideration of additional distinguished service awards be made for either UNITAF or UNOSOM II; and (j) no changes be made to the extant policy for visitors or members not force assigned.

Defence has prepared the necessary instruments to enable the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ‘SOMALIA’ to be awarded to eligible former members of the ships’ companies of HMA Ships Tobruk and Jervis Bay.

In accordance with long-standing policy, members who are now eligible for the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ‘SOMALIA’ must return their Australian Service Medal, or Clasp ‘SOMALIA’ as required before their new entitlement can be approved.

Members and ex-members are invited to make application to the Directorate of Honours and Awards.

Application forms can be obtained from www.defence.gov.au/medals/ or by calling the Directorate of Honours and Awards, toll free, on 1800 111 321.

The Tribunal’s full report is available at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au. Further information on Defence honours and awards is available at: www.defence.gov.au/medals/

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

Press release Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, Australia